Amazon to Pay $25 Million to Settle Children’s Privacy Charges
Regulators said the tech giant kept children’s Alexa voice recordings “forever,” violating a children’s privacy law.
Home / Archive for May 2023
U.S. Will Require All New Cars to Have Automatic Braking Systems
The Transportation Department wants new cars to automatically stop when they detect an accident is likely.
Europe Frets U.S. Battery Factory Subsidies Will Hurt, Not Help
The European Union is trying to assemble the building blocks to produce electric cars, but subsidies are luring companies to the United Stat...
Using Alternative Apps and Shared Albums Instead of Mainstream Social Media
Alternative apps and shared photo albums let you set up your own exclusive club for online conversations and digital pictures.
The AI Boom Inside Silicon Valley Start-Up Accelerators
In Silicon Valley’s hacker houses, the latest crop of young entrepreneurs is partying, innovating — and hoping not to get crushed by the big...
How the Shoggoth Meme Has Come to Symbolize the State of A.I.
The Shoggoth, a character from a science fiction story, captures the essential weirdness of the A.I. moment.
Elizabeth Holmes Set to Report to Prison Tuesday in Texas
The disgraced founder of the blood testing start-up Theranos, who was convicted of fraud, is expected to report to a minimum-security prison...
Would Large Language Models Be Better If They Weren’t So Large?
Teaching fewer words to large language models might help them sound more human.
California Builds the Future, for Good and Bad. What’s Next?
From reparations to tax revolts, the Golden State tries out new ideas all the time. What roads will its latest experiments send us down?
Would Large Language Models Be Better If They Weren’t So Large?
Teaching fewer words to large language models might help them sound more human.
The Surgeon General’s Social Media Warning and A.I.’s Existential Risks
Plus, Kevin and Casey react to this week’s tech headlines.
Minnesota Governor Vetoes Gig Worker Pay Bill
Gov. Tim Walz said the legislation would have raised costs for ordering an Uber or Lyft too high, potentially pricing out Minnesota customer...
Microsoft Calls for AI Rules to Minimize Risks
Its president, Brad Smith, said companies needed to “step up” and governments needed to “move faster” as artificial intelligence progressed....
Tips for Cutting Social Media Use and Being Online in a Healthier Way
You don’t have to quit Instagram and TikTok cold turkey. Use these strategies — some practical, some more philosophical — to be online in a ...
Prompts to Try Asking ChatGPT
Our personal tech columnist shares how to improve many parts of your life.
How to Listen to DeSantis’s Presidential Announcement With Elon Musk on Twitter
The Florida governor is set to announce that he will be running for president on Twitter Spaces, a live audio streaming platform on Twitter ...
Grimes Reviews A.I. Grimes Songs
The producer and pop singer, long a proponent of technological experimentation, has “open-sourced” her voice using new A.I. tools. She’s bee...
Brain and Spine Implants Allow Paralyzed Man to Walk Naturally Again
In a new study, researchers describe a device that connects the intentions of a paralyzed patient to his physical movements.
Inside How TikTok Shares User Data
Employees of the Chinese-owned video app have regularly posted user information on a messaging and collaboration tool called Lark, according...
AI Needs an International Watchdog, OpenAI Leaders Say
To manage its risks, “superintelligent” artificial intelligence should be governed by a body similar to the International Atomic Energy Agen...
What to Know About Limiting Your Child’s Screen Time
Concerned parents have many tools, including free software from Apple and Google, to actively oversee how children use their tech.
BuzzFeed’s Botatouille Chatbot Puts A.I. Twist on Food Advice
Jonah Peretti, the company’s chief executive, has embraced artificial intelligence more than most publishers. His latest offering: Botatouil...
Social Media is a ‘Profound Risk’ to Youth, Surgeon General Warns
Dr. Vivek H. Murthy urged immediate action from policymakers, tech companies and parents to safeguard against potential harms.
TikTok Sues Montana Over State Ban
The Chinese-owned video app filed the lawsuit days after Montana’s governor signed the ban, which takes effect on Jan. 1, into law.
Silicon Valley Chosen for $4 Billion Chip Research Center
Anticipating federal subsidies, Applied Materials said it planned to invest up to $4 billion in the semiconductor project in Sunnyvale, Cali...
Meta Fined $1.3 Billion for Violating E.U. Data Privacy Rules
The Facebook owner said it would appeal an order to stop sending data about European Union users to the United States.
Minnesota Passes Bill Seeking to Ensure Minimum Wage for Gig Workers
Lyft and Uber have opposed the legislation, with Uber threatening to leave the state if it is enacted.
Uber Suspends DEI Chief After Employees Complain of Insensitivity
The executive hosted sessions about race and being a white woman that were titled “Don’t Call Me Karen,” prompting an employee uproar.
Through Ukraine, Tech Start-Ups Make Their Move Into the U.S. Defense Industry
Small, fast-moving U.S. tech firms are using the war in Ukraine to demonstrate a new generation of military systems but face the challenge o...
China Bans Some Chip Sales of Micron, the US Company
Many analysts see the move as retaliation for Washington’s efforts to cut off China’s access to high-end chips.
The E-Sports World’s Future Is Uncertain as Growth Stalls
At least two organizations in America’s most prominent league for professional video game players are selling their teams, underscoring the ...
A.I.-Generated News, Reviews and Other Content Found on Websites
The findings in two new reports raise fresh concerns over how artificial intelligence may transform the misinformation landscape online.
Alibaba, Baidu and Tencent Signal First Steps in Bumpy Recovery
The economy is open again, helping Alibaba, Baidu and Tencent claw back in the first quarter from a miserable 2022, though they will likely ...
NASA Picks Blue Origin-Led Group to Build Moon Lander for Artemis V Mission
After losing out to SpaceX, Jeff Bezos’ rocket company will get a chance to carry astronauts to the moon’s surface.
Why Amazon’s Delivery Network Is Vulnerable to Labor Strife
For years, the e-commerce giant could shield its vast archipelago of warehouses against disruptions from workers. Then it got even bigger.
Mr. Altman Goes to Washington, and Casey Goes on This American Life
Then, Kevin and Casey try their hands at content moderation.
Twitter Accuses Microsoft of Improperly Using Its Data
In a letter to Microsoft’s chief executive, Satya Nadella, Twitter said the tech giant had violated a data agreement.
TikTok and Free Speech Groups Appear Poised for Legal Fight Over Montana Ban
Under the law, TikTok would be fined for operating the app, and Google and Apple would be fined for allowing people to download TikTok throu...
Elizabeth Holmes Must Report to Prison on May 30
The Theranos founder, who was convicted last year of defrauding investors, lost her bid to remain free on bail while she appeals her convict...
OpenAI Introduces ChatGPT App for the iPhone
OpenAI is aiming to build on the popularity of its chatbot with a smartphone app that responds to voice prompts.
Supreme Court Sidesteps Ruling on Scope of Internet Liability Shield
The justices effectively ducked difficult questions about the scope of a 1996 law, Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act.
Montana Governor Bans TikTok in the State
The legislation is the most extreme prohibition of the app in the nation and will almost certainly face legal challenges.
Another Side of the AI Boom: Detecting What AI Makes
More than a dozen companies have popped up to offer services aimed at identifying whether photos, text and videos are made by humans or mach...
Haven’t Checked Your Gmail in a While? Google May Delete Your Account.
Personal Google accounts that have not been used in at least two years could be removed starting in December as part of an effort to address...
For Gen Z, Playing an Influencer on TikTok Comes Naturally
There’s stuff to promote now. The followers can come later.
Biden Team to Counter Tech Espionage Unveils Cases Involving China and Russia
A new division set up by the government to pursue sanctions evasion and technology espionage announced arrests of individuals with ties to f...
Sam Altman, ChatGPT Creator and OpenAI CEO, Urges Senate for A.I. Regulation
The tech executive and lawmakers agreed that new A.I. systems must be regulated. Just how that would happen is not yet clear.
As EV Sales Pick up Pace, Electric Commercial Fleets Lag
Passenger cars dominate the electric vehicle market, but light delivery trucks could benefit from the cost savings and range E.V.s offer.
Microsoft Says New AI Shows Signs of Human Reasoning
A provocative paper from researchers at Microsoft claims A.I. technology shows the ability to understand the way people do. Critics say thos...
Tesla Changed a Deadline for Investor Proposals, Angering Activists
Some shareholders saw the automaker’s decision to move up the deadline by two months as a way to suppress criticism during the company’s ann...
E.U. Approves Microsoft’s $69 Billion Deal for Activision
The green light follows objections to the blockbuster deal by American and British regulators on the grounds that it would undercut competit...
Your DNA Can Now Be Pulled From Thin Air. Privacy Experts Are Worried.
Environmental DNA research has aided conservation, but scientists say its ability to glean information about human populations and individua...
U.S.-Made Technology Is Flowing to Sanctioned Russian Airlines
Russian customs data shows that millions of dollars of aircraft parts made by Boeing, Airbus and others were sent to Russia last year despit...
Linda Yaccarino Is Twitter’s New CEO, Elon Musk Confirms
Mr. Musk said Ms. Yaccarino would focus on business operations and that he would work on product design and technology at the social media p...
Ex-ByteDance Executive Accuses TikTok Parent Company of ‘Lawlessness’
The former executive sued ByteDance, which owns TikTok, for wrongful termination and accused the company of lifting content from rivals and ...
China Orders Tesla to Recall 1.1 Million Vehicles Over Braking Risks
Defects on certain Tesla models could lead drivers to step on the accelerator pedals for longer than necessary, increasing the risk of colli...
Google’s A.I. Bonanza and Driverless Car Talk With Cruise C.E.O. Kyle Vogt
Long-awaited tech like A.I., 3-D telepresence and driverless cars is finally reaching the public.
Elon Musk Says He Has a New C.E.O. for Twitter
Mr. Musk did not identify the executive, but said she would start in about six weeks.
Striking Writers Find Their Villain: Netflix
Fear of protests prompted the streaming giant to shift an anticipated presentation for advertisers to a virtual event and a top executive to...
Peloton Shares Slide After It Recalls Two Million Exercise Bikes
The company is offering to replace seat posts on the bikes after receiving 35 reports of the equipment breaking.
Taiwan Is Running Low on a Strategic Asset: Engineers
Taiwan’s world-dominating microchip sector was built by TSMC’s skilled employees. But a demographic crisis, demanding work culture and flagg...
New Defamation Suit Against Fox Signals Continued Legal Threat
The suit, brought by a specialist in Russian disinformation, cites parallels with the recently settled Dominion Voting Systems case against ...
Pixel 7A Review: We’re Running Out of Reasons to Splurge on a ‘Pro’ Phone
Google’s latest entry-level phone, which costs $500, is just good as devices nearly double its price.
Google Builds on Tech’s Latest Craze With Its Own A.I. Products
At the company’s annual conference, Google demonstrated dozens of products and features that work with artificial intelligence, along with n...
Do You Have Something to Share About TikTok?
The Times would like to hear from current and former employees, avid TikTok users, educators and parents.
TV’s War With the Robots Is Already Here
A.I. screenwriting, a point of contention in the Writers Guild strike, may not yet be ready for prime time. But streaming algorithms and der...
The Companies Trying to Make Live Shopping a Thing in the U.S.
The market for selling goods in real time online is relatively small, but a number of start-ups and big tech names are betting American cons...
Tucker Carlson Says He Will Start New Show on Twitter
His claim, made on Twitter, suggested that his negotiations to reach an amicable separation with the network had broken down.
U.S. Says It Dismantled Russia’s ‘Most Sophisticated’ Malware Network
The Justice Department said the F.B.I. had turned the structure of the Russian intelligence service’s “Snake” network for spying on computer...
How to Get the Forecast When Apple Weather is Down
iPhone users experienced a brief outage of Apple’s Weather app on Tuesday. Here are some alternatives to plan your day around your local for...
‘Rip and Replace’: The Tech Cold War Is Upending Wireless Carriers
As China and the United States jockey for tech primacy, wireless carriers in dozens of states are tearing out Chinese equipment. That has tu...
The Discreet Thrill of Lurking Online
There’s a world of wholesome drama out there in strangers’ social media content, if you know where to look. You don’t even need to post your...
Sam Bankman-Fried, in First Detailed Defense, Seeks to Dismiss Charges
The FTX founder, who has been charged with fraud, said the crypto exchange and its law firm had been acting against him and offering only th...
The Women Who Are Giving Dating Apps the Summer Off
Summer is the season where romantic encounters heat up. Some singles are logging off to see what’s out there.
Bringing A.I. Tools to the Workplace Requires a Delicate Balance
Move too slowly, and risk getting left behind. Move too quickly, and neither the staff nor the technology may be ready.
Elizabeth Holmes Opens Up About Her Theranos Trial and What Comes Next
The black turtlenecks are gone. So is the voice. As the convicted Theranos founder awaits prison, she has adopted a new persona: devoted mot...
Hollywood Writers Strike Is ‘Going to Be a While’
The writers and entertainment companies remain far apart on several key issues, including money, and the standoff could last for months.
Twitter Criticized for Allowing Texas Shooting Images to Spread
Graphic images of the attack went viral on the platform, which has made cuts to its moderation team. Some users said the images exposed the ...
Backup Power: A Growing Need, if You Can Afford It
Extreme weather linked to climate change is causing more blackouts. But generators and batteries are still out of reach of many.
Judge Dismisses F.T.C. Lawsuit Against Kochava, a Location Data Broker
The ruling was a blow to the commission’s intensifying efforts to crack down on the sale and use of sensitive personal information.
The Next Fear on A.I.: Hollywood’s Killer Robots Become the Military’s Tools
U.S. national security officials are warning about the potential for the new technology to upend war, cyber conflict and — in the most extre...
Bluesky Has the Juice, A.I. Jobs Apocalypse and Hard Questions
Is Bluesky the long-awaited heir to Twitter?
‘Ron DeSoros’? Conspiracy Theorists Target Trump’s Rival.
Ron DeSantis, a likely contender for the Republican presidential nomination, must court far-right voters who consider him a tool of the Deep...
Apple’s Slowdown Eases, but Sluggish Demand Hurts Results
Overall iPhone sales were up, and revenue for the company’s services business set a record.
Were You Misled By Fake Reviews Online?
If you chose a purchase based on reviews and the end result didn’t live up to your expectations, The Times wants to hear your story.
White House Unveils Initiatives to Reduce Risks of AI
Vice President Kamala Harris also plans to meet with the chief executives of tech companies that are developing A.I. later on Thursday.
White House Unveils Initiatives to Reduce Risks of A.I.
Vice President Kamala Harris also plans to meet with the chief executives of tech companies that are developing A.I. later on Thursday.
FTC Seeks ‘Blanket’ Ban on Meta’s Use of Young Users’ Data
Citing privacy failings by the tech giant, regulators proposed to stop sites like Instagram and Facebook from profiting off the data of user...
FTC Seeks ‘Blanket’ Ban on Meta’s Use of Young Users’ Data
Citing major privacy failings by the tech giant, regulators proposed to stop sites like Instagram and Facebook from profiting off the data o...
Jack Dorsey Takes Aim at Elon Musk and Twitter on New Platform
The Twitter co-founder has posted prolifically on two new social networks, Nostr and Bluesky, which he also backed financially.
How to Automatically Edit and Enhance Your Smartphone Photos
Photo apps have been using artificial intelligence for years to give you control over the look of your images. Here’s how to take advantage ...
My Weekend With an Emotional Support A.I. Companion
Pi, an A.I. tool that debuted this week, is a twist on the new wave of chatbots: It assists people with their wellness and emotions.
Tucker Carlson’s Text That Alarmed Fox: ‘It’s Not How White Men Fight’
The discovery of the text message contributed to a chain of events that ultimately led to Tucker Carlson’s firing.
Generative A.I. Start-Up Cohere Valued at About $2 Billion in Funding Round
Founded by ex-Google researchers, the Toronto company is among the few start-ups prepared to compete with the creator of ChatGPT.
Uber’s Revenue Up 29% as U.S. Ride-Hailing Business Improves
The company said its financial results in the most recent quarter were about in line with the expectations of investors.
Google Promised to Defund Climate Lies, but the Ads Keep Coming
Google said in 2021 that it would stop running ads alongside videos and other content that denied the existence and causes of climate change...
Facial Recognition Powers ‘Automated Apartheid’ in Israel, Report Says
The Israeli government is using computer vision to monitor Palestinian travel across checkpoints, according to the report.
When AI Chatbots Hallucinate
Ensuring that chatbots aren’t serving false information to users has become one of the most important and tricky tasks in the tech industry....
A.I. Is Getting Better at Mind-Reading
In a recent experiment, researchers used large language models to translate brain activity into words.
‘The Godfather of A.I.’ Quits Google and Warns of Danger Ahead
For half a century, Geoffrey Hinton nurtured the technology at the heart of chatbots like ChatGPT. Now he worries it will cause serious harm...
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